8 Mistakes That Can Shorten the Lifespan of Your Garage Door
As a homeowner, you rely on your garage door every day to protect your vehicle and belongings. But did you know that certain mistakes can significantly reduce the lifespan of your garage door? The last thing you want is to replace your garage door prematurely. This is why learning about and avoiding certain mistakes is vital.
Love Garage Doors is a top-rated garage door company in Wichita, KS. Our team of experts has seen firsthand the consequences of these common mistakes, and we want to help you avoid them. By hiring Love Garage Doors for your garage door installation, repair, and maintenance needs, you can trust that your garage door will last for years to come.
Keep reading to learn more about mistakes that can shorten the lifespan of your garage door.
Skipping Regular Maintenance
Failing to perform routine maintenance on your garage door can cause serious problems over time. Without proper care, components like hinges, springs, and rollers can degrade faster, leading to costly repairs or complete replacement.
Inspecting and Tightening Hardware
Over time, the hardware on your garage door can loosen due to regular use. Inspect bolts, brackets, and screws for signs of wear and tighten them as needed. Addressing these issues promptly helps prevent unnecessary stress on other parts.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Lubricate all moving parts, such as rollers, tracks, and springs, with a silicone-based lubricant. Regular lubrication reduces friction and prevents premature damage. Avoid using grease, as it may attract debris and cause more harm.
Testing the Balance
An unbalanced garage door puts extra pressure on the opener, leading to faster wear. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. A professional may need to adjust the springs if it doesn’t stay in place.
Cleaning and Inspecting the Tracks
Debris buildup in the tracks can hinder smooth operation and increase strain on the garage door. Clean the tracks regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt and residue. Inspect them for dents or damage, and call a professional for repairs if needed.
Using the Door as a Primary Entrance
Constantly using your garage door as the primary entrance can lead to excessive wear on crucial components. Springs and cables are designed to handle a specific number of cycles, and frequent use shortens their lifespan. Over time, this added strain increases the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements.
The garage door opener motor also undergoes unnecessary stress when the door is used excessively. This strain can cause the motor to wear out faster than expected, impacting the overall functionality of the garage door system. Ignoring these issues may result in a complete breakdown, leaving you with limited access to your home.
To avoid unnecessary damage, consider using a regular door for daily entry and exit. Reducing the number of garage door cycles extends the life of your entire system. This simple adjustment can save you money and prevent inconvenient repairs in the long run.
Ignoring Damaged or Missing Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is vital to your garage door because it helps seal any gaps and prevents moisture, dirt, and pests from entering. If the weatherstripping is damaged or missing, these elements can enter your garage and cause various issues.
Ignoring damaged or missing weatherstripping can lead to rust on metal components and warping on wooden doors. This affects the appearance of your garage door and weakens its structural integrity. Additionally, pests like rodents and insects can easily make their way into your garage through these openings, causing damage to your belongings.
To seal your garage door properly, regularly inspect and replace damaged weatherstripping. This simple maintenance task can prevent future problems and extend the lifespan of your garage door. By addressing issues promptly, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements in the long run.
Trust Love Garage Doors for all your weatherstripping needs in Wichita, KS. With our expertise and quality materials, we’ll keep your garage door protected from potential damage caused by weather and pests.
Overloading the Garage Door With Weight
Hanging items like bikes, tools, or storage racks on the garage door may seem convenient, but it adds unnecessary strain to the door’s components. The added weight can damage critical parts such as the springs, tracks, and cables, reducing the door’s efficiency over time. Excessive weight can also lead to misalignment, making the door unsafe to operate.
Regularly inspect your garage door to ensure no extra weight is being added unintentionally. Remove any items that have been attached to the door to prevent long-term damage or the need for costly repairs.
For help with maintenance or to repair any issues caused by overloading, contact our garage door company in Wichita, KS, like Love Garage Doors.
Not Checking For Alignment Issues
Misaligned tracks and components can create significant problems for your garage door system. If left unchecked, alignment issues can lead to unnecessary strain on the motor, rollers, and other parts, resulting in faster wear and potential safety hazards.
Regular inspections can help identify and address alignment issues before they worsen.
Look out for the following signs of alignment problems:
- Uneven Gaps: Check for uneven gaps between the door and its frame when it is closed. This could indicate that the tracks are not properly aligned.
- Unusual Noises: Grinding or scraping sounds during operation may signal that the rollers are not gliding smoothly along the tracks.
- Slow or Jerky Movement: If your garage door moves slower than usual or seems to jerk during operation, it may indicate misalignment.
- Visible Track Damage: Inspect the tracks for dents, bends, or warping, as these can cause the door to malfunction.
Addressing alignment issues early can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your garage door system. If you notice any of these signs, contact Love Garage Doors, a garage door company in Wichita, KS, for a professional inspection and realignment service.
Allowing Dirt and Debris to Accumulate
Dirt, leaves, and grime can collect in the tracks or along the bottom of your garage door over time. This buildup makes it harder for the door to open and close smoothly. The added resistance forces the garage door opener to work harder, which can wear out the motor and other components faster. Regular cleaning helps avoid this problem and keeps your garage door functioning correctly.
When debris accumulates in the tracks, it can cause rollers to stick or move unevenly. This affects the operation of your garage door and can lead to misalignment. Misaligned tracks can cause further wear and damage, requiring expensive repairs or replacement. Inspect and clean the tracks regularly to prevent such issues.
The bottom seal of your garage door is also at risk when dirt and grime build-up. A clean seal ensures that your garage is protected from moisture and pests. To maintain the integrity of your door system, take a few minutes each month to clean the tracks and wipe down the bottom of the door.
Performing DIY Garage Door Repairs
Attempting to fix complex garage door issues without the necessary expertise can be dangerous and often leads to improper repairs. Tasks like spring or cable replacement require specialized tools and knowledge to avoid further damage or injury. DIY repairs may seem cost-effective, but they frequently result in higher expenses in the long run.
Risk of Personal Injury
Garage door springs and cables are under high tension, making them hazardous to handle without proper training. Attempting to adjust or replace these components can lead to severe injuries, such as cuts, fractures, or worse. Professional technicians have the knowledge to perform these repairs safely.
Improper Repairs Lead to Further Damage
Incorrectly repairing or installing garage door components can strain the entire system. Misaligned springs, cables, or tracks can cause uneven operation, leading to faster wear and potential structural damage. A professional ensures that all components work together efficiently.
Lack of Proper Tools and Expertise
Garage door repairs often require specialized tools that the average homeowner may not possess. Using improper equipment increases the likelihood of mistakes. Additionally, diagnosing and fixing issues correctly becomes more challenging without technical training.
Voiding Manufacturer Warranty
Many garage door warranties become void if an unqualified individual performs repairs. Manufacturers often require a licensed professional to handle repairs to ensure the integrity of the door. Hiring a professional team protects your warranty and ensures a lasting solution.
Trust experienced garage door professionals to avoid costly mistakes and potential safety hazards. Love Garage Doors, a leading company in Wichita, KS, offers reliable repair services to keep your system running smoothly.
Ignoring Unusual Sounds
Squeaking, grinding, or other unusual noises from your garage door should never be ignored. These sounds often indicate underlying issues like worn rollers, loose hardware, or lack of lubrication. These minor problems can escalate if left unaddressed, leading to costly repairs or permanent damage to critical components.
Ignoring these noises can also create safety risks. For example, a grinding sound might signal a problem with the springs or cables, which could fail and cause the door to malfunction. Taking action as soon as you notice irregular sounds ensures the safety and longevity of your garage door.
Contact Our Garage Door Company in Wichita For Help!
At Love Garage Doors, we understand the importance of a well-maintained garage door. That’s why our team of experts is committed to providing top-notch services that keep your system functioning correctly and lasting for years to come. Avoid these common mistakes and trust us with all your installation, repair, and maintenance needs in Wichita, KS.